Details, snaps of latest addition to tiny-puter family turns up in FCC docs

The Model B Raspberry Pi 3 will be the first in the family of tiny cheap-and-cheerful ARM-powered computers to feature builtin wireless networking. For previous models, owners have had to make do with wired Ethernet, USB Wi-Fi adapters, or Ethernet-to-wireless gadgets. Having wire-free networking built into the little single-board computer will be a boon.

Confirmation of the Pi 3's existence comes from these lab results submitted by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to US communications watchdog the FCC. The documents show the new hardware complies with radio standards, and the regulator has approved the device for use.

The Model B's schematics, block diagrams, parts lists, and other blueprints have been withheld from public view at the request of the Raspberry Pi designers, so the exact specifications of the new system aren't yet known. More details are expected to be revealed next week.

From the submitted dossier, the Model B will use a single chip antenna. The hardware was tested in Hull, UK.

The Brit-designed Pi first hit the scene in 2011 as an affordable computer to kickstart interest in programming and technology among kids and adults. Since then the hardware has undergone several revisions, although never exceeding a price tag of about $35 (£25). ®